Selfless Sikh praised for taking turban off to help injured child
A Sikh student who broke strict religious practice by removing his turban to help save a child’s life, has been hailed a hero.
Harman Singh, 22, who lives in New Zealand, took off his turban to cradle the bleeding head of a five-year-old boy that had been hit by a car on the way to school in Auckland.
Mr Singh told the New Zealand Herald he heard the accident outside his home before he ran to investigate.
“I think anyone else would’ve done the same as me,” Mr Singh told NZ Herald reporters.
Mr Singh and other members of the public waited with the boy until paramedics arrived.
The boy’s mother rushed to the scene shortly after.
Gagan Dhillon, also a Sikh, told reporters he was on his way to work when he saw the accident and also stopped to help.
“There was enough help as there was, but being a Sikh myself, I know what type of respect the turban has. People just don't take it off - people die over it”.
“He didn't care that his head was uncovered in public. He just wanted to help this little boy”.
The child was reportedly walking to school with his sister when he was hit. He was believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries but hospital staff have confirmed he is in a stable condition.
Charmaine Tuhaka said she and two others held the boy still to prevent him moving and further injuring himself, while his sister waited in tears.
While Mr Singh broke strict Sikh practice, he has been praised by people around the world for his heroic act.
Since the rescue, he has received thousands of messages online.
“This is why I have high respect for the Sikhism faith. Awesome job mate!,” one person commented.
Originally from India, Mr Singh is studying a business course in Auckland.
He was overwhelmed with all the praise.
“Thousands of people have said 'well done'. I was only doing what I had to and trying to be a decent member of the community,” he said.
“Thanks to all who messages, calls... thanks all the worldwide Facebook members who messaged me. I think I just did my job nothing else.”
News break - May 18
